Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior expands nationwide in 2025, reaching 14,000 students in an efforts to empowers Malaysian youth through arts education, fostering creativity and 21st-century skills.
By DANIAL FUAD
In a significant boost for youth arts education across Malaysia, Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior is set for a major expansion in 2025. This initiative, a collaborative effort between Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and Kakiseni, champions making arts accessible, nurturing creativity, and fostering engagement among young Malaysians. The program aims to empower students, helping them discover their voices and develop essential life skills through the transformative power of arts education.
The Heart of Arts Education
Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior operates on a profound belief: arts education goes beyond nurturing artistic talent. It cultivates critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity – often referred to as the “4Cs”. The program specifically aims to encourage creative expression, promote self-discovery, enhance socio-emotional well-being, and cultivate appreciation for local heritage. Through its structured arts-in-education programs, the Club actively nurtures empathy and connection among youth.
Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni, articulated this vision. “We believe arts education is not just about nurturing talent, but also about building character, empathy, and resilience,” she stated. She emphasized that this holistic approach helps students develop skills crucial for future leadership. Low also shared her personal joy, witnessing children flourish through these experiences.
A Growing Reach: The Expansion’s Impact
The 2025 expansion marks a pivotal moment for Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior. Since its inception in 2021, the YSD-Kakiseni Junior Arts Education Programme has already empowered over 1,500 students from 30 underserved schools. With this upcoming growth, it targets reaching an additional 100 schools, extending its reach to 10,000 more students nationwide. This ambitious plan will see the Club impacting a total of 140 schools and 14,000 students by the end of 2025.
The expansion extends the Club’s presence to new states, including Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. These join existing programs in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Perak, Kedah, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak. This broad geographical spread underscores the commitment to making arts education accessible across Malaysia’s diverse landscape.
Curriculum in Action and The Power of Partnership
Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior integrates its arts programs directly into school co-curricular activities. A key resource for both students and teachers is the specially designed workbook. This workbook guides facilitators and teachers through programme modules, offering practical activities, teaching strategies, and inspiring ideas to engage students. It serves as a flexible resource, allowing adaptation to suit students’ needs and each school’s unique context.
The curriculum spans various artistic disciplines, including Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts, and Creative Writing. Students engage in fun, experiential, hands-on, and interactive workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions, led by experienced Malaysian artists and facilitators. These activities expose young learners to diverse art forms, nurturing their creativity and critical thinking skills. The program also operates in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE).
The continued success and expansion of the Club are a testament to the strong partnership between Yayasan Sime Darby and Kakiseni. Dr. Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby, highlighted YSD’s enduring commitment to arts and culture as a key pillar of its philanthropic efforts. YSD’s commitment to Arts & Culture has been in place since 2009, with support for Kakiseni also beginning in 2009. Dr. Hajah Yatela expressed pride in supporting an initiative that empowers the next generation through holistic education and invests in youth development. “The expansion of Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior embodies our shared vision,” Dr. Hajah Yatela commented, “shaping well-rounded individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society”.
Celebrating Student Achievements
By the end of the programme, students are expected to have developed a deeper appreciation for the arts, enhanced their 21st-century skills, and gained confidence in their creative abilities. A significant highlight for the students is the annual showcase. In October, students will have the exciting opportunity to present their final projects and performances. This event celebrates their artistic journey and allows them to share their creations with the wider community.
A Legacy of Nurturing Talent
Kakiseni has been a driving force in Malaysian performing arts for over two decades. Since its online arts directory launched in 2001, and with the introduction of the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards in 2002, its efforts have cultivated audience appreciation and recognized artistic excellence.
This legacy is significantly bolstered by partners like YSD. Established in 1982, YSD serves as the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad, Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad. With a commitment to Arts & Culture since 2009 as one of its five key pillars, YSD champions initiatives that enrich society. The expansion of Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior builds upon this rich shared legacy, continuing to shape well-rounded individuals and future leaders through the power of the arts.
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